Well, Christmas is fast approaching and I actually think I am all organised. The tree is up, the presents are wrapped, the house is clean (well reasonably at least) and most of the Christmas sewing is finished. I actually have quite a few oven mitts and pot holders waiting to be sewn together, but I am sure I will get to them and if I don't they will still be good for next year.

First up was a challenge - my first attempt at foundation piecing. Saw the pattern while on holidays in Brisbane and bought it and the fabrics on the spot. Must admit I hesitated to start, but once begun, it was relatively plain sailing - well except that I ran out of some of the original fabric, which meant I had to reorganise and purchase more. Minor hiccup though and look at the finish. Don't you just love it. I certainly do.

I don't have a pillow this size, so I am just trusting it will fit OK. The pattern is . Mini Mariner's Compass from Quiltsmart. One gift down.

While sorting through my fabrics I came across some with a nautical theme, so put together this cute lap quilt for my youngest grandson. There are seaside pictures, and the borders and posts are boats. The quilting pattern has anchors, so the quilt is called Anchors Away. Hope he will get lots of use out of it. The good thing is this all came from my stash!!

Another stash buster is this cute Wonky Irish Chain. The quilt top has been finished for quite some time, I just wasn't sure how I wanted to quilt it. The Filigree design used is a new one (for me) and I love it.

There have also been a few customer quilt finishes. Lynda has been busy again and these are her two final quilts for this year. The first is a lovely cot quilt. So appropriate for a little boy, don't you agree?

​​The second is a very large Shortcake (from Cluck Cluck Sew) quilt made from Figtree fabrics. We used the same Filigree quilting pattern and it really looks great on this quilt. Looks good on my bed too doesn't it?

My other gift finish is this gorgeous bed runner. Did you know I was a Jinny Beyer fan? Well I am - love the fabrics and the patterns are incredible. This kit came from Jinny Beyer, so all I had to do was cut out and sew all those tiny, tiny pieces. Absolutely love this. It is quilted with wavy lines (called Troubled Seas) and the simplicity of the design just enhances the quilt. I really must improve my photography skills. I really don't think I am doing these quilts justice. You will just have to trust me that they look fabulous. Another gift done!!

Well, that's it for this month - except for those pot holders and mitts. There are a couple of things all but done too though. A really gorgeous pink Hunters Star quilt (see the sample below) which may go to a very special person. All the blocks are done, just need to put it together and decide on the size. The other job for the new year is a red and black Drunkards Path for a custom order. All the bits are cut out, just have to start the sewing - after the holidays though I think.

So to everyone reading this, I wish you all the very best for the Christmas holiday period and hope you have a fabulous New Year. May 2016 be full of inspiration and lots of quilting.